The Three Graces (Whitney) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Three Graces |
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The sculpture in 2013
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| Artist | Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney |
| Year | 1931 |
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| Location | Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| 45°30′17″N 73°34′37″W / 45.50474°N 73.57701°W | |
| Owner | McGill University |
The Three Graces is a famous outdoor fountain and sculpture. It's also known by other names like Carytid Fountain Group or Friendship Fountain. The artist who created it was Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney. It was placed at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, in 1931.
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About the Sculpture
This artwork is a fountain with sculptures. It features figures called caryatids. A caryatid is a sculpted female figure that serves as an architectural support. Think of it like a column, but shaped like a person.
The Artist: Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney
Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney was an important American sculptor. She was also a patron of the arts. This means she supported other artists and art projects. She founded the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City.
History of the Figures
The idea for the caryatid figures goes back to 1913. That year, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney won an award for her design. She received awards from the Paris Salon and the National Association of Women Painters and Sculptors.
The figures were first planned for a hotel. This was the Arlington Hotel in Washington, D.C. However, the original hotel was torn down. A new, larger hotel was planned, but it was never built.
Exhibitions and Other Versions
Even though the hotel project didn't happen, the figures were still shown. They were exhibited at a big event in 1915. This was the Panama–Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco.
A bronze version of the figure was also made. It was put up in Lima, Peru in 1924. This shows how popular Whitney's design was.
Unveiling the Fountain
The fountain in Montreal was officially revealed in 1931. At the unveiling, the sculpture was covered. It was draped with the Union Jack (British flag) and the Stars and Stripes (American flag).
Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney was not able to attend the event. She was not feeling well at the time. She also missed another important unveiling. This was for her Titanic Memorial in Washington D.C. It happened just three days before.
See also
In Spanish: The Three Graces para niños
